Construction and Characterization of Optical Orthogonal Codes (n,w,1) for Fast Frequency Hopping-Optical Code Division Multiple Access

This paper investigates a new combinatorial construction approach based on cyclic difference packings for the construction of an optical orthogonal code that is suitable as a time spreading sequence for fast frequency hopping optical code division multiple access (OCDM) systems. The proposed construction provides a solution to the electrical decoding delay problem when compared to its optical counterpart, as well as other optimization issues. The criteria for optimizing the performance of such an OCDMA system are provided, namely: the flexibility and simplicity in constructing the optimal code for any length and weight, a reduction in the encoding/decoding complexity that complies with changes in the fast frequency hopping system, and the provision of system transfer transparency, a decoding rule that exploits the embedded asymmetric error correcting capability of the code. Our neighbor difference approach refers to the partition of different solutions into sub-classes, given in the correlation matrix form. It takes into account both direct and recursive combinatorial code construction methods, and the resulting characteristics are evaluated accordingly. A performance analysis based on the OCDMA channel is given, and a comparison with other difference family solutions is performed.